WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard University men's basketball played a barn burner versus Norfolk State, could not piece the final run falling 71-63 to the Spartans Friday, afternoon in Burr Gymnasium.

The Spartans attacked first scoring the first basket at the 17:12 mark, taking an early 2-0 lead.

Norfolk State continued the pressure recording a 17-7 run over the next six minutes to take a 19-7 lead with 10:49 left in the first half.

The Bison traded baskets to halftime, down 34-26.

In the second half, Howard ground to within six points with nine minutes left in regulations and kept the pressure to the two-minute mark when Norfolk St. kept pace to the end of regulation to escape with a 71-63 win.

Howard falls to 2-15 overall, 0-3 conference. Norfolk State improves to 7-11, 0-3.

Nate Garvey paced the Bison with 17 points. Charles Williams (14) and Wayne Bristol Jr. (11) joined Garvey in double-figures.

Cousins led Howard with eight rebounds and recorded nine points.

The Bison shot 38 percent from the floor and 29 percent from beyond the arc.

NEXT UP

Howard will continue their homestand versus South Carolina State University, Monday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m.